RFID research: An academic literature review (1995-2005) and future research directions

Academic research into radio frequency identification (RFID) has proliferated significantly over the last few years, to the point where journals (Production and Operations Management, International Journal of Production Economics, IEEE Systems Journal, and IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering) are producing special issues on the topic. In this paper, we present a literature review of 85 academic journal papers that were published on the subject between 1995 and 2005. We organize these studies into four main categories: technological issues, applications areas, policy and security issues, and other issues. All of the papers in the review are allocated to the main and sub-categories based on their main focus. Our analysis of these papers provides useful insights on the anatomy of the RFID literature, and should aid the creation and accumulation of knowledge in this domain. A comprehensive list of references is also presented. It is hoped that the review will be a good resource for anyone who is interested in RFID research, and will help to stimulate further interest in this area. The implications for RFID researchers and practitioners and suggestions for future research areas are discussed.